[HelpGuide logo]( Dear Friend of HelpGuide, We're only a week or so into 2023 but the return to the post-holiday daily grindânot to mention bad weather and illnessâhave left many of us already struggling to stick with our ambitious New Year's resolutions. Whether you vowed to ditch a bad habit, take better care of your health, move forward in your career, or improve your love life, almost all New Year's resolutions have one thing in common: a desire to feel happier. But even if you find yourself unable to to stick with a goal to lose weight, find a better job, or move somewhere new, there are other simple ways to increase your happiness and satisfaction with life, without relying on drastic changes in your circumstances. All you need to change is your perspective and attitudeâand that can be done by anyone at anytime. 1. Appreciate the positive aspects of life. While it's pointless trying to pretend things are wonderful even when they're not, many of us are guilty of dwelling too much on the negative. Instead, it's possible to train your brain to focus more on the small pleasures in daily life that can improve your outlook and boost happiness. [Learn more>>]( 2. Value your relationships. Studies have shown that fulfilling relationships are one of the greatest sources of happiness. So it's no surprise that losing touch with friends is one of the most common end-of-life regrets. Whatever your work or school commitments, try to carve out more time to spend with friends and loved ones this yearâespecially those who bring joy and positivity into your life. [Learn more>>]( 3. Live in the moment. When you're feeling unhappy, anxious, or sad, chances are you're either dwelling on something negative from the past or worrying about something in the future. When you focus on the present moment, you're much more likely to feel happy and at peace. One way to live more in the moment and savor the good things in life is to practice mindfulness. [Learn more>>]( 4. Help others. There's a reason why people who give back to others tend to feel happier: It's truly fulfilling to feel like your actions are making a positive difference in the world. Volunteering for causes or organizations you believe in, going out of your way to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor, or even just brightening a stranger's day can also bolster your overall health and self-esteem. [Learn more>>]( 5. Take care of your health. While it's true that you can be happy even when you're suffering from ill health, we can all benefit from improving the aspects of health that are within our control. The important thing to remember is that eating well, getting more exercise, and sleeping better don't have to all or nothing propositions. Even making small positive changes can have lasting benefits. [Learn more>>]( However you want to improve your happiness, wellness, and mental health this year, HelpGuide can help you reach your goals. Yours in health, Melinda Smith
Executive Director, HelpGuide Bipolar Disorder Test Do you think you may be bipolar? While only a mental health professional can accurately diagnose bipolar disorder, this quiz can help you to identify symptoms. MORE â]( [[ratio] ]( HelpGuide's Story HelpGuide Co-Founder Robert Segal tells the story of how HelpGuide was started and what drives its mission. [WATCH â]( Stages of Alzheimerâs Disease: What to Expect as it Progresses While a diagnosis of Alzheimer's can be devastating, learning about the 3-stage and 7-stage models can help you better prepare for the future. [READ MORE â]( ADVERTISEMENT Traditional therapy, done online Take a quiz, get matched to a therapist, and start getting support by phone or video. As a HelpGuide reader, your first month is 20% off. [GET STARTED â]( Mental health news from around the web Will âDry Januaryâ trigger alcohol withdrawal symptoms? (Washington Post) Dry January, or the practice of abstaining from alcohol during the first month of the year, has gained international popularity over the last decade as a potential way to reset oneâs relationship with alcohol. A physician who specializes in addiction medicine approaches conversations about Dry January with both enthusiasm and caution, stemming from the fact that many of patients are unaware about the potential risks of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). [READ MORE â]( Playing the piano boosts brain processing power and helps lift the blues (University of Bath) A new study published by researchers in the UK demonstrates the positive impact learning to play a musical instrument has on the brainâs ability to process sights and sounds, and shows how it can also help to lift mood. The study shows how beginners who undertook piano lessons for just one hour a week over 11 weeks reported significant improvements in recognizing audio-visual changes in the environment and reported less depression, stress and anxiety. [READ MORE â]( Everyday stress could be the key to a healthy old age (The Guardian) Research indicates that low-level stress from moderate exercise or work can enhance our cognitive and physical abilities in later life. As well as the pressure and tension inflicted by life events, different forms of exercise can be viewed as stress for the muscles, while various types of cognitive challenges can be considered as stress for the mind. [READ MORE â]( Scientists Find Key Reason Why Loss of Smell Occurs in Long COVID-19 (Duke Health) The reason some people fail to recover their sense of smell after COVID-19 is linked to an ongoing immune assault on olfactory nerve cells and an associated decline in the number of those cells, a team of scientists led by Duke Health report. The finding also sheds light on the possible underlying causes of other long COVID-19 symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and brain fog. [READ MORE â]( Mental health helplines In the U.S.:[NAMI Helpline]( at 1-800-950-6264. UK: [Mind Infoline]( 0300 123 3393 Australia: [Sane Australia]( 1800 187 263 Canada: [Wellness Together Canada]( 1-866-585-0445 In other countries: Visit HelpGuide's [Directory of International Mental Health Helplines]( Follow us: [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( You received this email because you are signed up to receive HelpGuide's mental health newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive these, please update your email preferences by visiting the links below. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage Preferences]( HelpGuide.org International 515 S. Flower St. Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071 [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Use](